A DETERMINED teenager has scooped an award for his achievement in education -- despite suffering from a debilitating disease since birth.

Shaun Haggart, 16, was one of 10 youngsters to receive a national AOL Child of Resolution Award at the House of Lords for his outstanding effort in school.

His fight for a normal life began at birth when he was diagnosed with Hirschprung's disease which affects the large intestine.

He has undergone 41 operations in six hospitals to correct multiple medical problems including heart deformities.

And his various medical problems leave him so tired he cannot run or play football and has to change a colostomy bag three times a day.

But Shaun sits four GCSEs in English, maths, science and graphics at the end of the month despite having every year of his school life disrupted by illness.

He studies part time at Witton Park High School, Blackburn, and with home tutor David Taylor who describes him as a "remarkable boy".

Shaun and his family, who live in Scotland Bank Terrace, Blackburn, said: "I am really chuffed to get the award and all my friends were waiting for me when I got home which was great.

"It makes a change to get a bit of acknowledgement for what we have to go through.

"You could tell with all the other children that they had difficulties because their conditions were more visible but with mine you can't always tell and that's what makes it so hard."

Shaun takes five types of medication daily and will have to have an operation to change the valve in his heart for the third time when he is 22 years old.

Mr Taylor, who nominated Shaun for the award, said: "Shaun is troubled with recurrent pain and complex medical problems but if you met him you would see a normal teenage boy just getting on with life."

"He has worked really hard to build up his strength and has made a terrific improvement in school. He really is an example to us all."

Shaun said: "My illnesses are really draining and I can't run or play football any more which is really frustrating. If I tried to go to school every day full time for a week I would have to sleep all weekend to recover but I love to be with the other kids."

"It can flare up at any time and if there is any bug going around I get it because my immune system is not very strong.

"I am really grateful for all the help I have received over a long period of time from my mum and dad, my brothers and sister, my cousins, family and home tutor."

Dr Carolyn Skilling, director of the National Association for the Education of Sick Children, made the award and £100 cheque presentations.

She spoke of the "extraordinary effort" of many children who continue with education from home.

"More than 100,000 children and young people in the UK are out of school at any one time due to illness. The awards recognise their exceptional efforts."